NFL Insider: Steelers, Cardinals Named Top Options For Potential Trade With Eagles

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been living in quarterback uncertainty throughout this offseason as they await a decision from their starting quarterback of last year, Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh is aware that if Rodgers decides to go elsewhere or hang up the cleats, they may have to take a risk on a young quarterback this season. They drafted Will Howard in the sixth round of last year's draft, but there's another quarterback who has just become available that the Black and Gold could take a chance on. 

The Philadelphia Eagles just completed a trade that sent their 2027 seventh-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for long-time veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The Eagles trading for an experienced backup quarterback opens things up for General Manager Howie Roseman to trade their key, young backup Tanner McKee. McKee is known for being one of the league's premier backups and consistently impresses in the preseason. 

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio added his two cents on Pittsburgh potentially being interested in the quarterback on 93.7 The Fan. 

"Right now, the Steelers and the Cardinals are the two teams that have the most obvious need at the top of the depth chart. If the Eagles are willing to flip him now, I wouldn't be surprised [if McKee is traded]," said Florio. 

McKee has been a speculated target of interest for teams who lack a high-end backup quarterback or are looking to take a flyer on a starter. Pittsburgh could be one of those teams, especially if Rodgers retires. The Steelers may make the aggressive move to acquire a signal-caller with a ton of upside, and has shown promise in the limited snaps he has gotten.

McKee has spent two years in the NFL and has been a backup for Jalen Hurts in Philly. He was drafted in 2023 as a sixth-round pick out of Stanford and has an intriguing 6'6", 231lbs frame. In 2024, McKee started one game and threw 45 passes for 323 yards and four passing touchdowns. This impressive stat line caught the eye of many NFL fans who believed he could eventually be a starter.

McKee is stuck in a depth chart behind one of the league's best in Hurts and, barring injury, would not see the field over him. Being traded to Pittsburgh would be a fresh start and would allow the young quarterback to have a true chance at stardom. Mike McCarthy is well-known around the league for his ability to develop quarterbacks and McKee should be a project that attracts McCarthy. 

Pittsburgh's offense is stacked with talent that is set up perfectly for a promising young quarterback to thrive. The additions of Michael Pittman Jr. and Rico Dowdle allow for an expanded set of weapons. McKee would be plugged in at quarterback and have plenty of options at his disposal. An offensive-minded coach, like McCarthy, will continue his development as a passer. The Steelers could be a perfect fit for the young, promising signal-caller.

If The Steelers Make This Trade, What Does This Mean For The Other QBs?

If Pittsburgh were to go through with this trade, it would more than likely mean that the Steelers have word on Rodgers' retirement. If that's not the case, it could be trouble for a guy like Mason Rudolph. Either way, McKee may not instantly become the starter, but would challenge Howard. McKee's upside and proven ability to be able to perform highly in games does give him an advantage. McKee would be the clear-cut number one, but that doesn't mean all is out the window for Howard, necessarily.

Pittsburgh making an aggressive move like this is a good sign that they're willing to take chances on young arms. The Steelers have used veteran Band-Aids at quarterbacks over the last few seasons. McKee has potential that hasn't been tapped yet with the quarterback situation in Philly, and Pittsburgh could be the perfect place for him to show out. 

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